Winter is officially here in just a few weeks, but many of us have already had our first encounter with Jack Frost. Although this season may be beautiful and filled with holidays that bring us warmth, it shouldn’t be overlooked for its ability to cause damage around the home. Snow can be pretty harsh on your possessions and landscape if you don’t take the proper precautions before the season hits you full force. Although you may believe these cautionary steps to be pricey, there’s ways around the huge bills that will help prevent even bigger bills in the future. So, check out these ten tips to see if there’s any way you can save money on preventing and dealing with the snow and ice this winter.

1. Keep Your Lawn Mowed
Sure, everyone looks forward to when the weather cools and the grass seems to stop growing. Although it’s nice to get a break from mowing the lawn, you may want to go ahead and give it one last mow before the big freeze hits you. Although your grass may be dormant, long grass under the snow can bring you a lot of problems as winter transforms into spring. With all of the moisture on the ground, there’s a pretty good chance your grass could develop mold. This isn’t just bad for the grass, but can be bad for you too. Mold can irritate allergies within the household and could even cause illness. It also draws in pests which is another time consuming and expensive problem to get rid of. So, keep your grass short so you don’t have to worry about replanting, fumigating or fighting off sneezes as the seasons change.

2. Clean the Gutters
Although it’s pretty easy to overlook the gutters before winter hits, this chore should always be on your must do list before winter officially sets in. Cleaning gutters is pretty boring and, let’s face it, hard work. Don’t put if off though because it could lead to come major problems as the season progresses. For starters, you don’t want the stuff in your gutters to freeze. As the snow begins to pile onto of the already dirty gutters it will begin to weight them down which could cause your gutters to break or fall. On top of being too heavy, you’re going to want the snow on your roof to melt in order to relieve pressure off the roof. If the gutters are full then the water isn’t going to be able to move as quickly off of the home. It can also drip onto your stairway, porch or sidewalk which is dangerous for anyone that doesn’t realize how slippery the area is.

3. Be Eco Friendly
Getting ice off of your sidewalk and driveways can be frustrating, but it can also be damaging to your plant life. When you use salts, litters and de-ice materials on the sidewalk these components melt into your yard and cause damage to your plant life. When spring comes around you could be looking at a whole new project that might put you in the hole with money. Instead of using these items to get rid of the problem try using items that won’t harm the environment. For instance, you can easily use birdseed or sand to help you gain traction in these areas. Plain shoveling is also one of the best ways to get rid of snow and ice around the home. You may also want to check online for homemade remedies that help melt ice away. Usually these items can be found around the home which will save you even more money!

4. Roof Inspection
Your roof is the key component to keeping your family warm and dry during the winter months, so it’s up to you to make sure it’s in the best condition for the season. Before the storms set in make sure your roof is inspected. You can probably get a good deal on this service locally, but if you’re looking to maximize savings you can also do it yourself. Simply check out the roof and make sure all of the shingles are firmly in place. This will help prevent leaks and will also hold up better to heavy snow that may end up spending a day or two on the roof. If everything is in order then you’re set to go for the season, if not then you should be able to fix the loose shingles yourself at a fair price. During the winter you may want to check the roof periodically to ensure wind hasn’t messed with the shingles. You should also do routine checks for heavy snow that may need to be raked off of the roof to prevent damage.

5. Remove Snow
Although it’s pretty cold outside, one of the best ways you can avoid expensive damage to the home is to get outside and remove snow as much as possible. Keeping your sidewalks and driveway snow free will help make the home safer and will also make it easier for you leave for work in the mornings. You should remember to remove snow from the roof whenever possible. You can buy a special rake for this task, but sometimes a regular rake will do the trick. This will avoid leaks and potential cave ins during the winter months. Of course, one of the most important things to do is keep snow away from the foundation of the home. Many people forget all about this but it can become a pricey problem. As the snow begins to melt, the large piles surrounding your home have to go somewhere. Often, this means the water is going to flow into your basement or around your foundation, thus causing flooding and potential rotting. So, avoid this scenario altogether by pushing the snow away whenever you can.

6. Prune
Plants don’t often have an easy time when it comes to the winter months. Instead of just leaving them alone before the ice hits you may want to do a little pruning to help with the transition. Often, bushes have a hard time bearing the cold and thus end up getting sick or frostbitten which makes it harder for them to grow in the spring. Some bushes don’t have a problem surviving the cold but may end up becoming a home to animals you might not want living near your children. By cutting down the access on these plants you’ll be able to avoid both problems. One of the bigger issuess with not pruning has to do with trees though. When it snows or freezes over a lot of tree branches can’t handle the weight, thus forcing them to break off. Unfortunately, the beaks can damage the roof, cars, power lines and may even put the family in danger. So, make sure to trim down weaker branches so you don’t have to worry about major damage throughout the icy months.

7. Pools
Having your own pool can be amazing, but if you don’t know how to take care of it during the winter you may be in for a big nightmare. Pools that are in the ground tend to be a lot easier to care for, but above ground pools can be severely damaged by the change in weather. You will want to get a winter pool cover no matter what kind of pool you have though. This will help keep the pool safer and will prevent anyone from getting in the pool water when it’s freezing cold. If you do have an above ground pool then you need to be sure to remove some of the water from the pool. A full pool can mean the foundation will snap, thus leaving your pool unusable when it is warm enough to swim. Before a storm hits make sure your water levels are much lower than they would normally be. However, if your pool is already frozen then leave it be as anything you do could make it worse. The only time it is safe to touch a frozen pool is when there is a fresh coat of snow on top of it, but you should do this with the utmost care.

8. Insulate the Attic
Believe it or not, but your attic’s insulation makes a huge difference as to how your home is going to deal with the snow outside. In fact, a well-insulated attic actually helps melt the snow on your roof so you won’t have to worry about it caving in. This is because the attic pushes heat onto the roof, which helps get rid of the unwanted snow and ice much faster. The attic will also keep the home warmer which is a lot better for your power bills. If you’ve noticed your home isn’t staying warm and the snow on your roof is pretty much staying put then it may be time to investigate your attic. If it turns out the attic’s insulation is sub-par then there’s a lot of ways you can fix the problem without spending a fortune. Simply look online for some home solutions and you’ll be set until you can get the money together to properly insulate the attic. Typically in the summer months this is a lot cheaper, so your home remedy should help you save even more money.

9. Cars
Fighting with your car first thing in the morning can be one of the worst aspects of winter. Scraping ice from the window shield is never anyone’s idea of a good way to start the day and may even cause some damage to the windows or your paint job if you’re not careful. Instead of attacking the car with a scraper and wasting money on anti-ice products you may want to try a few other ways to get rid of the ice. For starters, you can go out a bit early and turn on the car. Run the heater and defogger at full blast with all the doors and windows shut. This can easily be worked into your routine, or you can do it while you’re shoveling snow away from your tires. After a few minutes you should be able to wipe the snow and ice off of your windows so you can leave for work without any extra scraping. Another way to avoid this struggle is to place an old sheet over your window shield. When you go out in the morning simply lift the sheet and the ice and snow will come off with it.

10. Insurance Policy
One of the most important things you can do before winter rolls around is to check your insurance policy. You want to make sure your home is covered for leaks, cave ins, accidents that may happen in the snow and other snow related problems. A lot of companies won’t include this in their package so it is always better to be safe than sorry. You may also want to make sure you’ve followed all the requirements of your insurance company. This will allow you to put in a claim with necessary proof that you did everything to avoid the problem. Thus, your insurance company will have no reason but to provide you with the money for your claim. You may also want to make sure your car is covered properly and you have road side assistance for these dangerously cold months.

Winter time doesn’t have to be your enemy if you find yourself prepared for its bitter cold. With these tips you should be able to prevent damage without having to spend a small fortune. Now, you can bundle up and enjoy snow ball fights and other winter activities without having to worry about all of the problems that winter brings along with it.

Chances are the Arctic Blast has brought a little snow in your general direction. If not, then winter is on its way and may bring a few snow days for your kids to enjoy. The only problem with snow days is it sometimes seems very expensive to entertain kids during these days off school. From extra meals to keeping them busy, there’s a long list of things that may have you hesitant about the extra days off. However, with a few simple ideas you can turn a snow day into magic without having to spend any extra money. So, as the snow flurries begin get ready to enjoy some time as a family rather than stressing out over the extra costs that may incur!

1. Snowman Competition
As the snow begins to collect outside you might want to start thinking about the snowman you’ll want to create because a snowman competition is one of the best ways to keep your kids busy while they’re off school! Simply gather up old clothes and other items you’d like to use on your snowman and get busy planning. You can even split up into teams to make the competition even more fun (and fair for the little ones). There’s no limit to the creativity you can explore when you make your snowman so have a lot of fun with it. You can also break away from the mold and create some fun animal designs that will have the kids impressed. Of course, you don’t even have to make it a competition if you don’t want to, but this just adds an extra twist to the seasonal favorite. If you do, then present the winner with a special treat, like extra whipped cream on their hot cocoa!

2. Snow Paintings
If you have some empty sports bottles lying around the house then you’re ready for a good time. Fill the bottles up with water and then add some coolaid mix or food coloring to each one. You may want to add a label for each color too, so no one gets mixed up! Once your mix is ready to go then head outside and let your kids enjoy the blank canvas that is your backyard! Kids will love adding color to the snow and will be entertained for hours. When they’re finished make sure to take a picture of their masterpiece so you can add it to a memory book or scrap book. If the kids get tired of painting then turn the colored water into a game for them. You can easily make a hopscotch for them to jump on, or you can create a tic-tac-toe board for each to play on. This will add even more fun to the snow day.

3. Snowball Fight
When in doubt, a snowball fight is a great way to get the whole family outside to enjoy the snow. There’s a lot of different ways you can go about a snowball fight, so you don’t have to stick to the same game every time you play. You may even have the kids take turns creating fresh snowballs to play with. This will help provide breaks so you won’t have the kids getting bored. If you’re out of ideas to freshen up the game then look online for some ideas. A lot of families have created some incredible rules that make the game twice as fun! If you don’t want to constantly have a snowball fight, or if the kids don’t like it, then bring out a target and have the kids throw snowballs at it. It’s definitely a great way to get out some of their extra energy.

4. Nature Walk
The world looks different when it’s covered in snow, so let the kids take a closer look. Bundle everyone up and go for a nature walk to see just how beautiful everything is. You can even create a scavenger hunt list that will make kids even more excited about their walk. Make sure you take trails you know so you don’t end up in icy areas that may cause someone to fall. Snowy days are also a great time to spot wildlife so you might want to bring some binoculars. Kids will love spotting various animals and birds, so bring along a guide book if you have one! You could even have them photograph what they see or draw it when they come home.

5. Sports
Playing your favorite games can really change things up when you’re in the snow! The snow can act as a cushion for those that fall and may even make it more fun thanks to the slippery ground. You can also get creative with your games too by drawing out your own soccer or football field. Of course, you don’t have to stick to the typical games either. You can also come up with your own or look online at other people’s ideas. With the games going your whole family will stay warmer while having a lot of fun that they’ll be proud to tell their friends about when school starts up. These games will also help the kids get exercise rather than being cooped up in the house until the weather gets better.

6. Tubing
Looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush? Then tubing is just what you need to make your afternoon in the snow amazing. Pull out your pool toys and you’ll be prepared for a day of slipping and sliding near your biggest hills. There’s a lot of great ways to enjoy tubing on a snowy days and luckily none of them require any money. Rather than standing in line at a business try to locate your own hill to slide down as this will keep the fun free. You’ll be best off if you have a friend or family member that has one on their own property. Then, take a toy you already own for a ride. You can also use the tops of trash cans, tires or any other items you find around the house that will make your time tubing a blast. Of course, if you already own a sled then use that! There’s no need to go out and buy items to use though, if there’s absolutely nothing you can use around the house then ask a friend or family member to borrow something. You won’t want to miss out on this activity because of lack of supplies!

7. Snack Time
Although it’s usually comforting to have something warm in your belly during cold weather, snow days can be an exception to the rule. This is especially when the snow is fresh. This is when you’ll be able to make the tastiest snow treats. One of the most common snacks to make during this time is snow-cones. It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients and will make your kids happy. Simply have the kids scoop up some fresh snow and add flavor to it. You can use just about anything you have around the house including fruit juice, coolaid or even pickle juice. Another great snack to make is snow ice cream. This special treat will allow you to create a different recipe for each child and it won’t be as unhealthy as them eating plain ice cream. You can look up a lot of free recipes online!

8. Ice Gems
The first sight of snow could be a great time to get a little craftsy with the kids. One amazing and totally simple craft to check out is the ice gem. The only thing you need for this project is some water balloons (although regular balloons work just as well) and food coloring. Add three to four drops of food coloring to each balloon. The color is totally up to each person, so you can create a rainbow if you want. Slowly fill the balloons up with the coldest possible water and then tie them off like you would a regular balloon. When they’re ready gently take them outside and place them on the ground. It’s best to place them in the yard just in case they leak. You want to also make sure they’re as flat as possible though. Wait at least two days to give the water inside the balloon a chance to freeze and then cut the balloon away from the ice. You’ll have a colorful decoration that can be shown off until the temperature drops!

9. Photoshoot
With the snow coming a little early this year you may want to go ahead and have a mini photo shoot to get the pictures you want for holiday cards. You can easily set up a timer on your camera to get the best shot for the card, or you can have a friend or neighbor capture it for you. You could also grab some images of the kids playing which make perfect ideas for scrapbooking and memory books later on. Everyone will love looking back at the awesome time they had and your relatives will love looking at the pictures too! You should also grab some photos of the beauty of the season. The snow, icicles and serene nature of the outdoors only comes once a year, so don’t miss out!

10. Snow Shoveling Challenge
Nothing will make your team get busy on chores quite like a challenge! Sure, snow shoveling is a pretty boring chore and most people try to get around it as much as possible. However, when you turn it into a game all bets are on! There’s a lot of different ways you can get the game rolling so you may want to try out a few over the winter months. You might want to start out with the whole family shoveling together. Whomever has the largest pile of snow can become the winner. Or, you could separate the area into different sections and allow the person who shoveled the fastest to win. You could also take turns doing it each day and see who has the fastest time. Of course, with this way you’ll have to monitor snow levels to make it fair. You can come up with so many other ways too, but the point is you and the family will get to have some fun while getting the chores finished!

Snow days are a huge part of the memories of kids, so don’t let finances get in the way of having some fun. This year, let the kids enjoy playing and have some fun with them too! With these easy to follow tips your family will have a new love for snow days, which will ensure you’ll have positive memories of the happy days!

Thanksgiving is the time of year to sit down with friends and family and rejoice over the blessing we’ve been given. However, for many families the holiday tends to be more stressful than thankful. The thought of having to make an entire feast can be a little intimidating. Of course, if you’re battling a tight budget it can be even worse. There are a few ways you can get around this problem though. Remember, your Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune. With a few easy shopping and cooking techniques you’ll be getting compliments on your meal while saving a whole lot of cash. So, stop stressing out over how you’re going to fund your meal and check out these ten ways to make it cheaper than you can imagine.

1. Use What You Have
When it comes to getting what you need for your holiday meal the grocery store can be your worst nightmare. With the aisles packed with people trying to get everything they need it may be hard to price the items you need as well as weigh your options. Instead of going to the grocery store first you should do a little shopping in your own home. There’s a lot of items you can base an entire meal around that you’ll find collecting dust in your pantry. Most home’s already have a collection of canned vegetables, so spice up these items to make them suitable for the holidays. You should also do a little shopping in your freezer or deep freeze. Sometimes, we tend to forget what’s lingering in there so you may find pie filling, meats, breads or veggies that can fit into your meal plan. You should also check out your dry ingredients for flour, rice, yeast and other items that can be used. These items can start some great side dishes as well as help you make gravy or homemade bread.

2. Buy Early
A lot of people will wait for Thanksgiving sales before they begin their shopping. These sales can be very misleading and often won’t save you much at all. Instead of waiting for deals to come to you, try to seek them out. Remember, canned goods and many frozen items can be stored for quite some time, so you’re free to shop months in advance. Try to buy a lot of your canned items during case lot sales or in bulk as this will help out the household for the holidays and then some. Many stores will also have special meats on sale before the holidays, so take advantage of a deal whenever you see it. When you’re shopping you shouldn’t have to go out of your way to do this either. Just budget a little extra for these buys and when you find them it can help lower your shopping expenses immensely. Of course, some areas will still offer good sales, so you may want to get to these sales as early as possible!

3. Think Smaller
A lot of the time we tend to go way overboard on our Thanksgiving meal planning. After all, it’s a time of celebration and we want to do it right! Of course, after day 5 of eating turkey sandwiches it may not have been such a good idea to plan on feeding a small army. So, if your family complains about the amount of leftovers you’re having, if you don’t have enough room in your refrigerator to store all of the leftovers, or if you end up dumping half of the meal in the garbage then you may want to rethink how much you cook. If your family doesn’t go through a lot of meat then plan on cooking a turkey breast, ham steak or any smaller meat choice. You don’t have to buy the biggest ham or turkey in the market place either. Keep it small and you’ll save a lot of money! Another great way to cut down the meal is to limit your sides. You don’t have to have five different starches, an array of vegetable and so many pies you don’t even have enough room to display them. Instead, write down a few items the family doesn’t eat as often and go from there.

4. Make it From Scratch
Again, planning and executing the Thanksgiving meal is intimidating which is why so many turn to cans, boxes and jars to get the job done faster. However, the more premade or” just add water items” you buy, the higher your budget is going to go. Instead of buying the ready to go stuff, try your hand at making some items from scratch. It’s actually not as scary as you may think, so don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Shopping for items to make from scratch can run you a lot cheaper too. In fact, you may find that you already have many of the items in your home. Plus, the items you do have to buy will last long enough for you to make several batches of food throughout the year. If you’re still feeling a little reluctant to do this then start out with one dish this year and move on to two next year. You’ll see right away that it makes the holiday more fun, especially when you get help from family. You may also feel a bit more pride in your meal when you present it to loved ones! Not to mention, the food will be a lot healthier.

5. Clued in Shopping
Your Thanksgiving feast can be cheaper than you think if you use the power of good shopping. To begin with, you should try to avoid buying items that don’t have a coupon or aren’t on sale. Yes, this can be a real pain when you just want to get in and out of the store, but your bank account will be thankful when you finish your shopping. It may be hard to find coupons as well, but check out the local ads and surf the net to see if you can get what you need at the best possible price. You should also try to shop during sales as much as possible, but make sure to look up the original price of the item before you buy. Another way to avoid high prices is to shop around. Yes, it’s frustrating and this time of year is crazy, but shopping around can save you a whole lot. If you’re lucky you can do a lot of the shopping around online, so you’ll know what you need and where you can get it from without having to go down every single aisle.

6. Go Generic
One important thing to remember while grocery shopping this year is to stay away from the pesky name brand items. These items are actually stacked on the shelf so we seem them first and want to buy them; however, they’re also a higher price than you should pay for what you need. Rather than go straight for the name brand, you should look around for its generic counterpart. These items don’t have as flashy of a label and are usually stacked on the bottom of the shelf. Generally, these items can be dollars to cents cheaper than the name brand. Although the cents may seem like a small number at first, once you get to the checkout counter each one will begin to make your bill higher and higher. So, by shopping the generic items you can save a whole lot more than you think. The best thing is, the generic items rarely taste different. You can find generics from everything from canned goods to the meat products you plan on purchasing.

7. Potlucks
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, nothing can make you feel better about your amount of work and budget quite like making it a potluck. If you’re hosting you’ll probably want to make the main course, but if you’re not comfortable and someone else wants to do it then let them have the glory. Potlucks allow people to bring whatever they want, which means you’ll be able to buy less without worrying about there not being enough food on the table. Try to have your guest RSVP with the items they plan on bringing. This will help you plan what you absolutely need to prepare to make the dinner table fuller. After everyone has come and gone with their dish you can rest assured that there will be less of a clean up to worry about and you won’t be stuck on leftovers for the next couple of weeks. Potlucks will also give you a large variety, so people can a taste new dishes that you may want to incorporate into next year’s planning!

8. Skip Unpopular Dishes
Every year there’s a dish that we tend to make that isn’t exactly on anyone’s list of must have food. Usually people take a small serving to be polite, but by the end of the holiday and leftover period it still sits uneaten. If you have one of these dishes on your menu then just go ahead and take it off your list. I know tradition is tradition, but if you’re on a tight budget there’s no reason to waste money on food that isn’t going to be eaten. Instead, take the money and put it towards a household favorite or use it for something else entirely!

9. RSVP Please
When you have a lot of guests over for the holiday it’s hard to know exactly how much food you’re going to need to make. A lot of people are often on the fence about their attendance, so we tend to make an abundance of food just in case everyone shows up. This can be really pricey though and if half of the people who were on the fence don’t show up you’re stuck with a lot of leftovers that could go to waste. Rather than guesstimating how many people will be at your celebration ask them all the RSVP. If they can’t tell you if they’re going to be there then don’t worry about them. Simply count on the guests you know will be there and plan your meal accordingly. This will cut down on money and stress!

10. Food Bank
If you’re still uncertain how you’re going to get a Thanksgiving meal together on your tight budget then consider going to a food bank. Many require families that need the extra help sign up so they know how many food baskets to make. Then they will issue you a date to pick up your basket, which is usually filled with a meat as well as traditional holiday sides. Sometimes you don’t have to do anything but sign up to get your basket while other times you may have to supply some information on your income. No matter what, the process is usually quick and will have your family meal under control for the big day. If you’re not sure where to start then look online, call your community center or talk to a local church. You may also try the food pantry to see if they can offer you information or food as well.

Thanksgiving isn’t supposed to be filled with excess stress. Instead of worrying about your food budget try to utilize these tips into your meal planning. They should help cut down on the amount of money you spend on your meal. When you cut down on the stress of the holiday and concentrate more on its meaning you’ll feel a lot more at peace with this special occasion. So, take a breather and give your grocery list a second look. This alone may help you feel more thankful and in tune with the holiday spirit.

Black Friday is one of the most chaotic days of the year and Cyber Monday can leave internet shoppers frustrated and sometimes, let’s face it, on the brink of tears! However, after all of the trouble you can end up saving quite a bit of money while putting a pretty good dent in your holiday shopping list. Black Friday and Cyber Monday save you a lot of money as is, but there are a few things you can do to maximize those savings and get the best possible deals. With a little know how, this Black Friday and Cyber Monday will be your most successful year of shopping yet. So, make sure your shoes are tied and put on your game face because this year’s biggest shopping day is right around the corner!

1. Don’t Fall For Flashy Ads
A lot of stores will try to draw you in and get you to spend a lot of money using big flashy signs. There’s a science behind this, so don’t feel bad if you’ve fallen for it in the previous years. A lot of stores use this method because it does actually draw people in, but it also distracts. Sometimes, there’s some fine print to those big signs, so don’t be fooled by their efforts. Look on the sign to see if there’s anything else written on it before you jump right in. You should also check its price tag and if possible its original price tag. This will help prevent you from falling for sales that have only reduced an item by mere cents. It’ll also help you learn the conditions of the sale. Sometimes you have to turn in a rebate or other tasks to get it for the correct price. So, make sure you know what’s what before you get a not so pretty surprise at the register.

2. Seek Out Coupons
Just because it’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday doesn’t mean there isn’t coupons to be found! So, you may have to do a little more searching to find them and you may not get a very positive reaction when you hit the checkout counter with them, but you’ll be saving money and that’s all that matters! Before you begin to make a shopping plan for this big event look online at your favorite stores to see if there’s coupons to be had. You should also check the local ads because there’s guaranteed to be quite a few hidden amongst the shiny ads. If you’re planning on shopping online for Cyber Monday then you may have even more coupons to choose from! Remember, the more you find the greater the discount, so put those skills to work.

3. Free Shipping Deals
A lot of stores offer Black Friday deals online, not to mention the wide selection of sales that are offered on Cyber Monday. These let you shop from the comfort of your home so you have plenty of time to research your project to make sure you’re getting a top notch deal. On the other hand, despite the fact you’re saving some money, you’ll also lose some due to shipping cost. This can be totally frustrating when you go to check out. So, instead of feeling burned by your online shopping experience try to find some free shipping deals. A lot of stores will automatically add this to your cart if you spend a specific amount of money. Other stores will offer coupons for shipping, but you may have to be a subscriber to get this deal! So, before you get your hopes up about certain items, make sure the shipping isn’t going to leave you paying even more for your items!

4. Early Bird Deals
If you don’t mind waking up a little early then you may be in store for some major savings. Many stores will open their doors very early in the morning. The customers that choose to shop at such an early hour often get an extra percentage off of their purchase. This incentive may have you waking up at the crack of dawn, so make sure to hit the sack at a decent hour. Some stores will also offer special swag bags for those that visit early. However, these bags run out pretty quickly so the earlier you’re at the store the better! You may even find that some of the items can be used as gifts for others, thus saving you even more money. If you’re doing a lot of online shopping then you’ll love the early bird deals. These will show you what’s going on sale before it’s available so you can make sure you’re online and ready to go before the product is sold out. Some of the best deals are made available in the wee hours of the morning too, so hit your computer as soon as you can to save big!

5. Shoppers
Today, technology can be one of our best friends, so don’t get caught shopping without it! There’s a lot of special apps designed for shopping that really come in handy during this intense shopping period. To begin with, you should grab a few price comparison apps. These will allow you to scan or type in an item to see who has the lowest price, thus allowing you to catch the best deal every time. Many of these apps will even let you know if the item is in stock which can really help you decide if it’s worth traveling the distance to get it. A lot of your favorite stores may have also developed their own apps. These will offer you information on sales, savings, comparisons and even flash sales that may happen while you’re in the store. The best thing is, sometimes you may even get discounts on the items just by showing digital coupons the app provides you! So, don’t forget your phone at home because you won’t get this kind of quick information any other way!

6. Smaller Scale Items
One of the biggest problems with Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping is many people believe they have to shop for the big ticket items. Although, sometimes these may seem like the best deals you might be surprised as to what else is out there for the picking. Often, big ticket items like televisions or computers may seem like a big deal but you can also find those sales throughout the years. Plus, a lot of people feel the urge to buy these larger items just because of the price tag and not because it’s needed in the home. So, unless you absolutely need one of these items you may want to take a look around at some of the other deals that will save you huge. One of the best sections to look at is clothes because you can often get some winter must haves for mere cents! You may also want to check out tools, perfume and toys!

7. Walk
When you’re Black Friday shopping the best thing you can do is walk as much as possible. Parking may take you quite some time to do which is a waste of gas. So, if you’re driving to do your shopping try to pick a spot and stay there as long as you can. This is much easier if you’re heading to a shopping mall, but if not try to choose a space that will allow you to visit several stores within the area. By doing this you’ll be able to get a lot more shopping in. Plus, the time spent walking from one destination to the next is a great time to relax, keep track of finances and check off items you’ve already purchased from your list.

8. Mail in Rebates
There’s a pretty good chance you’re going to find several items you’ve purchased require a mail in rebate. Sure, you already got a pretty good deal on it, but don’t let that rebate go to waste. It will only take a couple of minutes to fill out and usually shipping is already paid for. Many people don’t bother with rebates which is a shame. It may take a few weeks for your refund to come in but when it does it is like Christmas all over again! Don’t settle for paying more than you have to when it just takes a little more effort to get back the money you were promised! Some rebates can even be done online, so if you have questions about them when you purchase the item make sure to ask!

9. Keep the Receipt
Shopping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday is fast paced and sometimes we don’t have our concentration caps on. Don’t worry though! With a receipt in hand you can take back items that don’t fit, aren’t of high quality or even items you’re not sure why you picked them up in the first place! When you’re working your way from store to store make sure to keep all of your receipts together in a safe place so you don’t have to worry about losing them. This way, all of your uh-oh purchases can be remedied before it’s too late. You may also think to grab some gift receipts too so your friends and family can return or exchange items that might not fit or suit their taste. The receipt plays a huge role in holiday shopping, so don’t be caught without yours! You may also get coupons on many of your receipts which will help out immensely too. Some will even come with surveys that will allow you free items or special discounts. So, don’t crumple up anything until you’re absolutely sure you don’t need it anymore.

10. Take Care of Your Needs
One of the most important aspects of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping is to take care of your own needs! Most important of all, you need to keep yourself hydrated. Make sure you stop to take water breaks every once in a while so you don’t feel sick as the day passes. You should also make a lunch break too, or bring small snack bars with you to combat hunger. Before you head out for shopping make sure you’ve gotten plenty of sleep. It may not seem like a way to save money, but when you’re not at your best you don’t make the grandest of decisions. So, keep up with your needs so you don’t end up buying a lot of things you don’t need nor want! You should also make sure you’re comfortable because often people who stress out their bodies too much tend to get into accidents, feel sick or end up fainting. No one wants this any time of the year let alone the holiday season, so keep safe!

This Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up fast, so make sure you’re ready to make some incredible purchases! With these tips you’ll be able to save even more money and may even get a little stressed out as you battle the crowds and slow websites to get the items you need. So, have fun, be safe and remember to keep these simple tips in mind while you’re checking out the latest items!

With the Arctic Blast upon us and winter following close behind it you may be bracing yourself for those expensive gas and electric bills that seem inevitable this time of year. Staying warm when it’s freezing out doesn’t have to be a huge burden on you though. There’s actually a few tips you can follow to make your bills go down while keeping the heat in your home a lot more comfortable. Luckily, these tips won’t cost you too much money either, so you’ll end up saving even more in the long run. So, grab your favorite winter coat and enjoy this fun change in temperature because your bills won’t have to reflect what the weather throws in your direction anymore!

1. Alter the Radiator
If you live in an older home then chances are you have a radiator you battle with every single winter. Don’t let your radiator keep you cold and in debt this season though! Instead, work around it to make it work more efficiently for you. One easy way to do this is add tin foil just behind the radiator. This will help get the house warmer and will even work to spread the heat evenly through the room. This is probably one of the most cost effective ways to avoid high bills during the season. The heat from the tin foil will also make the radiator go off sooner so you won’t have to deal with charges for the radiator being on so frequently. Another way to maximize the heat in the room is to place a shelf over the radiator. This will prevent the heat from moving upwards right away. Instead, it will be closer to your body’s height so you’ll feel warmer faster and longer. You should also move any furniture you have in front of the radiator. In some home’s this could be dangerous. The large pieces of furniture will also block the heat from getting to you, which isn’t good for the bills.

2. Windows
Your window can be a huge way to cut down on heating expenses. It’s totally fine to leave your windows unblocked during the day. This not only gives you much needed light, but will also allow the room to use the sun’s heat to warm up. When the sun isn’t out then close the windows with heavy drapes or you can even put up blankets to secure the window even more. This will block out the cold from outside while keeping the heat from inside locked in. If you’re looking for an extra layer of warmth then try to find a few see through shower curtains. The shower curtains will absorb heat, thus releasing it into the home. It will also add an extra barrier for the cold outside, which will help keep the heat inside even longer. You should also check your windows for drafts every year, just to avoid even more heat loss.

3. Fireplace
Many choose to go the natural way when it comes to keeping warm during the winter. The only problem with this is when you do choose to use a fireplace, the fire can actually make the home even colder. So, when you do decide to start a fire make sure all of the doors in the home are closed. This will help keep the heat in the room longer while not making the extra rooms in the home even colder. You should also check to make sure the fireplace is clean and ready to go before you light your first fire. It wouldn’t be very cost effective to start up a fire and have the chimney go ablaze. Usually your gas company will offer a free inspection, but you can also hire someone for cheap to check it out. You may also be able to do it yourself. You should use wood you find yourself, but if you have to buy it then check on Craigslist or other local listings to see if you can find some for cheap. Of course, if you don’t plan on using the fireplace this season then you may want to invest in a chimney bubble. This will prevent cold air from coming in through the chimney so your warm air will stay in the house longer. Luckily, these aren’t expensive to find!

4. Check for Drafts
A draft can be your worst nightmare when it comes to your power bill! They can be found all over the house and will make all of your nice heated air seem cold in 0 to nothing. Before the extreme weather comes in you should walk around the house and feel around for them. They’re usually found by doors and windows. Don’t stress if you do find them because you won’t have to pay a fortune to get the issue taken care of before winter really sets in. There’s an endless amount of ways you can take care of a draft though. You can buy draft snakes which fit perfectly on the windowsill or you can add plastic film or Styrofoam around the windows. You could also just block the draft with some blankets to save even more money. If you’re getting a draft from the mail slot then slide some foam in the hole, or you could also place bristles, like those from a broom, in the hole. To cover up key holes just add some cardboard or foam to prevent the draft from leaking in. You can always find more permanent fixes for these items later on.

5. Camp In
On the weekends have some fun with the kids by camping in. You can easily make a tent in the living room using blankets and household items. Spend the time munching on camp foods like s’mores and chili to make things even warmer. You can share stories, play games and read books to pass the time and get the full camp experience. While you’re in the tent, body heat will get trapped inside which will keep you all warm. It will get even warmer if you build your fort with heavier blankets. You may also want to pull out your warm sleeping bags if you own them. If not, then your typical bedding will work just fine. If things still aren’t warm enough then you may want to build a fire in the fireplace or add a small and energy efficient space heater the mix.

6. Warm Hands & Feet
It might sound pretty obvious, but keeping your hands and feet warm are the best way to keep your entire body warm. So, instead of blasting the heat on your body try to go to greater measures to keep these parts of your body warm. Generally, gloves and thick socks can go a long way with this issue, but sometimes even these items aren’t enough. If you do a lot of work on the computer or like to spend some time catching your favorite programs on T.V. then try placing your feet on a heating pad. You could also use a water bottle on your feet. This is especially important at night when you’re in bed. An Incandescent light might also help keep you warm without raising the cost of your electric bill. There’s other special items like a heated mouse for the computer that could work in your favor to!

7. Build a Heater
One great way to transform the cold into a science experiment for the kids is to build your own heater. This can be a lot of fun and may even help you heat the home for mere pennies a day. One of the most common homemade heaters is a candle heater. This project is quick to make and only uses 3 main components. You’ll need tea candles, a metal pan and 2 ceramic flower pots. Put the tea candles in the metal pan, light them and cover the pan with flower pots. You can find a quick tutorial online for this project. The other more popular homemade heater is made from a tin or aluminum can. This takes a bit more work and can be more dangerous than the other heater, so it’s only good for older children under strict supervision. When making your home heater it’s important to remember safety first. Follow the tutorials online as well as your own rules for fire and safety before attempting this.

8. Baking
Nothing cheers up a winter day quite like something baked. Although warm food does help heat up the body and make us more comfortable, using the oven brings the home to a warmer temperature. So, instead of cranking up the heat on your home take to the kitchen. This can be one of the best times to teach kids how to cook. Try to come up with healthy desserts and meal plans that require the oven during this time. As your meal heats up so will your home, which will help make everyone feel much more comfortable. When the meal is finished cooling don’t just let that heat go to waste. Instead, block off the kitchen if you have pets or little ones. This is easily done with a baby gate. Then, open up the oven and let the heat flow into the home. It’ll offer a nice boost of warmth to the home, especially as the temperature drops for the night time hours.

9. Be Healthy
One easy way to avoid feeling cold all the time is to keep a healthy lifestyle. Working out will help warm up your body quickly and will also help keep it warm because it boosts your metabolism and helps with circulation. Try to work in small amounts of exercise throughout the day, especially on days when you’re not doing much. You should also eat more stews and soups, especially if they’re on the healthier side. These hot meals will warm up your body, but will also keep you feeling better with good nutrition. Soups have a lower calorie intake too, which could help you feel more lively and energetic thus making getting the proper amount of exercise easier. Drinking hot tea is also a great way to keep warm. Generally, teas don’t have a lot of calories and offer a wide variety of health benefits. Finally, eat foods with ginger and snack on nuts as these foods will help with circulation too!

10. Layers
Don’t let your closet fail you in your time of need! As the weather begins to drop you should start piling on the layers. The more you wear the less likely you’ll want to put on the heater. Try adding a pair of tights beneath jeans and triple layer tops. You can also double up thick socks to keep your body heat regulated. To make it even more fun you can direct a fashion show to get the kids on board. The more clothes you can utilize in the cold the better. You can also wear a lot of the items over again so you won’t have to do as much laundry. If the Arctic Blast gets too cold for your taste then you may even want to wear your winter coat and beanie inside.

Getting away from the cold may seem hard when you’re trying to keep your expenses down. With these simple tips you should be able to keep your body warm so you don’t have to rely on your home’s heating system as much. With the thermostat set at a cost efficient setting you’ll be ready to enjoy the savings while also having a little more fun with your family!

Pregnancy should be a time to celebrate your upcoming journey into parenthood. With everything changing it’s easy to get swept up in the moment, which could cause you to spend too much money during this period of time. Given, you’re going to need some supplies to get you through the pregnancy you may already be hurting for money because you need to also buy items for the baby. There’s a few ways you can get rid of the high prices of maternity items, so you can actually worry about the things you’ll need when baby finally arrives. With these ten tips you should be able to keep yourself looking fashionable while feeling great during this beautiful time in your life. So, forget spending hundreds of dollars just to clothe yourself for 9 months, because these tips will give you a few hacks that take care of your basic pregnancy needs.

1. Jeans
When it comes to buying maternity clothes, jeans can be one of the priciest items to purchase. Although you could avoid them altogether and just wear dresses, this isn’t always the best option (especially in winter!). So, how can you get the clothes you needed without spending a whole lot of money? Easy, alter the stuff you already have. Typically, we pay a whole lot of money for our clothes anyway, so why give up that cute pair of fashion jeans just because your belly bump is in the way? During the first few months of pregnancy you can easily extend your jeans with a bungee cord. Wrap this around your button and slip it through the hole to add more length to the jeans. When the baby bump is a little too big for this then grab an old stretchy tank top. Fold the button portion of the jeans inward which will open up the area in which your belly will rest. Then place the tanktop in this region and sew it in. This will allow you more space so you can look great and feel comfy. If you’re having trouble getting it to work then look online for a few tutorials.

2. Sew Dresses/Skirts
During your next 9 months you may become a huge fan of dresses and skirts. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to go out and buy an all new selection of these items. If you have skirts with an elastic waist band then you may be able to get away with wearing these in the early months of your pregnancy. As the baby bump begins to grow it might be time to break out the sewing machine and get to work. Don’t stress out over this though! Pregnancy dresses and skirts are extremely simple to make and won’t take you long at all. You should look online for ideas or patterns before you decide what you’re going to make though. Once you’ve downloaded a free pattern or found a cheap one locally then you should be all set. Try to choose fabrics that aren’t expensive, but you may also want to think about the weather when making your choice. Then, get to work. It will honestly only take you an hour or so to have something that’s going to suit you throughout the 9 months. I’d recommend getting a good start on these items before the baby bump gets too big though, as bending down to do some of the work might be tough in the later stages!

3. DIY shirt
If you like to shop ahead or have had friends that were pregnant then you probably know there’s some adorable maternity shirts out there. Of course, they all cost quite a bit, which isn’t reasonable for clothing you’re only going to wear a very short while. Instead of buying into the craze you may want to just settle with making your own crazy designs. This is pretty easy to do too! You’ll want to get some printable iron on transfers or fabric paint to make this possible though. You will also need to buy some cheap and basic maternity t-shirts. Once you have your materials go wild. You can do anything your heart desires. One of the more common designs is a cute countdown, which is great if you plan on taking pictures to show your pregnancy’s progress. If t-shirts aren’t your thing or you like to mix it up then try to create an empire waist shirt with one of your partner’s old shirts (or one you buy from a store). This is simple to do and only requires you to sew a hem beneath the bust line.

4. Pillows
You’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about pillows from pregnant friends, or may have even realized your need for a special pillow if you’ve been pregnant before. Unfortunately, these pillows can cost you a small fortune which isn’t great when you have a budget to uphold. However, living without one after the first few months of pregnancy may also make you want to scream. The solution is to simply make you own. You can sew two pillows together to create a contouring pillow that will rock your world. You may also be able to find a pattern for a pillow that will suit your pregnant body. Of course, if you’re experienced with sewing then you may be able to work this issue out without actually having to find a pattern. If you’re not up for the crafting aspect then simply find a basic body pillow. You can always work with it to contour to your body so you can sleep even sounder.

5. Stretch Mark Products
One thing most women immediately think to buy when they’re pregnant is stretch mark cream. Most brands are pretty pricey though and if you want to keep using it throughout the pregnancy you may be looking at a lot more money than you’d expect. You also don’t know what comes in many of the products. Some could have chemicals that aren’t exactly the best for your skin or your baby, so don’t even take a chance. Instead, learn to make your own! It’s actually quite simple and require ingredients that you may already have around the house. One recipe only calls for coconut oil/butter, almond oil and commonly found baby oil. Of course, there’s a lot of different recipes online so try to do a little research and find one that suits your budget. You may also want to try various different kinds just to see which works with your body best.

6. Nausea Relief
Morning sickness is one of the worst aspect of pregnancy, but having to fork over a lot of money to get relief can make the problem feel even worse. Rather than going to the store to find relief you can easily create a few recipes to help you fix the problem without spending any extra. One simple way to do this is to mix water and your favorite sports drink. Add this to an ice tray and freeze it over night to create a nice treat that will cool you down and replenish your electrolytes in the morning. A combination of teas will also help get rid of this frustrating problem. Try mixing up a batch of tea using a mixture of dried red raspberry tea, nettle and peppermint leaves. This tea also provides nutrients that are good for the baby. Finally, anything with ginger in it will knock out nausea pretty quickly. You can add it to tea, combine it with fruit to make a popsicle, or enjoy it in a homemade ginger ale.

7. Photography
Most mothers want to create maternity photography to remember the first stages of parenthood. This is fantastic and family and friends will love seeing the pictures; however, these photos can be incredibly pricey if you hire someone to do them. If you already have a good camera in the home then there’s no reason to hire someone to do it for you. Instead, set up the photos yourself. You can easily take ideas from online and incorporate them to suit your needs. If you don’t have a timer then have your partner take them for you. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you out. If you do want some help with your photography then hire a student or amateur to take the photos, This will end up costing you a lot less and will help out the budding photography. You may even be able to add more direction to your photos if you hire someone new, which could help with your overall satisfaction of the pictures.

8. Bras
Bras are pricey, so you probably won’t want to go out and buy a few just to help you through the first months of your pregnancy. There’s a few ways to avoid having to spend a ton just to keep comfortable though. Throughout your pregnancy you should be able to get away with not buying a new bra if you have some bra extenders. This will help keep the bra comfortable on your body as you begin to gain a little weight. However, after the baby is born and you will probably need a larger cup size. When this happens you might want to buy a multi-pack of nursing bras which will suit your needs and save you some money. Of course, sports bras are often overlooked when it comes to pregnancy. These bras can keep you feeling pretty comfortable during the long nine months and will give you room to grow without having to get a size upgrade.

9. Hydrate
Okay, so it may seem totally obvious but keeping hydrated will not only keep you looking and feeling great but will save you some major money. Try to keep water up high and at an arms reach if you can. This will encourage you to drink as much water as you can which will prevent you from drinking sugary drinks that are bad for you and the baby. The more water you drink the less you’ll have to deal with cramps and discomfort which is always a bonus when you’re pregnant. You should also eat water based foods to help with your consumption and overall health. Foods like cucumbers, radishes and watermelons are always great for you and can make a salad taste amazing. As you make this lifestyle change you’ll feel more energized which is great especially since pregnancy often causes fatigues.

10. Hand-me-downs
When it comes to maternity clothes, everyone seems to have some from their previous pregnancies. This can be a major bonus when it comes to saving you a lot of money. You shouldn’t turn down hand-me-downs when they come your way. Even if they don’t tend to fit properly you can easily alter them to suit your needs. These clothes are usually in excellent shape too as they’re only worn for a few months at a time. This will keep you looking fashionable while you’re pregnant, so you won’t feel the need to compensate your lack of chic when the baby is born. Make sure to talk to friends and family about hand-me-downs as soon as you’re ready to share the news of your pregnancy. The more people you have in your life to help out the more selection you’ll have with your clothing needs.

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to hang around in mu-mus until you deliver. It also doesn’t mean going out and spending hundreds on special creams to make your skin look amazing post baby. There’s ways around the big ticket items which may even make your pregnancy all the more rewarding. As it inches closer and closer to baby time you’ll be able you saved so much on items that would have taken away from your baby needs.

As the weather begins to cool down the chance of getting sick heightens. Cold and Flu season is upon us and it may seem like there’s no way of getting around catching something. You shouldn’t have to stress out about getting sick though. Sure, it feels incredibly bad and forces you to take some time off school and/or work. However, there are a few ways you can beat the cold faster or possibly even prevent it from causing you symptoms at all. The best thing is, you won’t have to spend a fortune on relief products, nor will you have to pump your body full of unhealthy chemicals. Rather, these health aids are easy accessible in the home and many will come from your very own pantry! So, take a deep breath in without worrying about whose germs you may be inhaling!

1. Water
Every time you go to the doctor you’re probably told to drink lots of fluids, right? There’s one fluid you should always drink in abundance though. Water. This amazing beverage is the key to our existence for a reason, so next time your sick forget the sugary fruit juices, sports drinks and sodas and go straight to the source for a little relief. As you continue to hydrate your body with pure water it will actually help remove the toxins from your system. This flush can help you get better faster while relieving you of many of your symptoms. Water will also reduce any cramping problems you may be having as it hydrates the muscles so they can relax. Drinking water can help regulate a stuffy nose because it eases the sinuses. If you’re suffering from a runny nose though you may want to try adding a drop of salt water into each nostril. You can even get a fever to drop by soaking your feet in hot water. Once you remove your feet from the heat simply place socks that have been soaking in cold water on. Add another pair of thick and dry socks onto these and you’ll be set for a soothing nap and fever relief.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar
You may have read a few articles about apple cider vinegar in your time. This product has become one of the go-to products that many doctors and nutritionist are promoting this year, but it’s actually no gimmick. Sure, you may think of it as an easy cleaner when you’re on a tight budget or a cooking aid for some of your more intricate meals, but there’s a lot to apple cider vinegar. This powerful product is a master at getting rid of bad bacteria, so of course it’s going to come in handy when you’re feeling under the weather. Apple cider vinegar also works to restore pH levels in the body so if you’re suffering from an infection it can help get you sorted out. It can also help bring the body back to normal if you’ve had to take antibiotics. When you start to feel a hint of sore throat coming on, or other symptoms you may want to knock out in a hurry then drink a shot glass of apple cider vinegar and you’ll be on your way. If you can’t handle the taste then add it to water, it’s less potent and will hydrate you too.

3. Citrus
One common thing people do when they’re sick is gravitate to comfort food, which usually means they eat a lot more junk food. This bogs down your system even more and can prevent you from getting well fast. Rather than make up a huge batch of mashed potatoes try to grab a piece of citrus fruit. These fruits usually have a lot of vitamin C which will give your immune system the boost it needs to get your body back on track. One of the best fruits to have is a grapefruit, which is perfect for breakfast when you can’t take the day off work. You might also want to make freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s important to make this on your own as store bought juiced is filled with ingredients that aren’t good for you. If you’re suffering from a sore throat then cut lemon slices and place them in hot water. It will calm the pain and provide you with vitamin C. You may also want to consider cutting a lemon in half and adding salt and pepper. This has been said to ease a cough if you suck on it.

4. Honey
Honey taste so good it may be hard to believe it’s good for you. However, honey has a special bacteria that can help your body thrive especially when you’re feeling under the weather. The best thing you can do is find honey that is made locally. This is going to help ease an allergy problems you have because it is made with the allergens that are nearest to you. This can be a big deal for easing sinus pains as well as other symptoms of allergies. Honey also adds a thick layer to the throat which can help reduce coughing. It can also reduce the pain in the vocal cords while making speaking easier when you’re feeling a little hoarse. Add honey to some hot lemon water or tea and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice treat that is helpful to your immune system. You should never give honey to babies though, so think twice before using this method on your little ones.

5. Ginger
If there’s one super food you should always have in the house when you’re feeling sick it’s definitely ginger. Ginger has a lot of uses when you’re ill, but its most common is for nausea. It’s perfect if you’re having trouble keeping down food or just feel too terrible to even try to eat. If you’re not feeling hungry then you should try to drink something with ginger in it. It will restore your appetite so you can get the calories you need to feel better faster. Ginger is great for all sorts of stomach problems too; such as, cramping, gas and diarrhea. Of course, if you’re suffering from bronchitis it could help get you on the mend while reducing pain from the illness. There’s an abundance of food and drink you can make with ginger, so be prepared with a special recipe before you get sick.

6. Herbal Tea
There’s a variety of herbal teas on the market so you’ll have a lot to choose from. You can even base your tea on the symptoms you’re having, which will give you a totally custom treat while you’re ill. If you’re not sure what to buy then do a little research to see what herbs will help you with your particular symptom. There’s tea for just about anything so you may want to buy more than one type. One of the best things about herbal tea when you’re sick is can help soothe your body so you’ll be able to get some sleep. This is a better alternative to medications that force you to sleep and will make it easier for your body to heal. Apart from its healing abilities, herbal tea can help ease a sore throat with its warmth which is always a comfort.

7. Almonds
Headaches are a pretty common thing when you’re not feeling good, especially if you’ve managed to catch the flu. One way to fight these off without overloading on anti-inflammatory medications is to eat almonds! This is probably one of the tastiest ways to eat yourself better and may have you feeling a little more pep in your step. Almonds are filled with magnesium which is great for reducing headaches without the aid of medication. Almonds are also a very alkaline food which means they will help regulate your body and get your pH level back to normal. This in itself will boost your immune system and get you feeling better faster than you’d think possible. Other nuts will offer some of the same healing powers, but almonds should be your go to nut when in crisis.

8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a very homey flavor which in itself can make you feel great. However, this common spice can really pack a powerful punch when it comes to getting you better in a hurry. If you start to feel sluggish and know a cold is going around then add some cinnamon to your coffee or tea to give you an extra edge from getting sick. If you catch the cold or virus early enough the cinnamon can boost your immune system enough to have you kicking the problem before it even had a chance to inconvenience you. Cinnamon is a strong anti-fungal spice and can really get viruses out of your system in no time, which can mean you may not even have to book an appointment with your general practitioner. Cinnamon is also a lot of help if you’re battling a stomach ache and is easy to incorporate into drinks and meals.

9. Garlic & Onion
Garlic and onion are already great for you, but when you’re feeling sick they can get you on the mend. Add both of these items to your favorite sick soup and you’ll be feeling better in no time. They both work hard to fight against bacteria which will help out your immune system. Consuming these foods aren’t your only option though. In fact, if you cut a purple onion in half and place in the room with someone that is sick the onion will absorb the toxins in the air which could prevent the illness from spreading. You can also place onion on the bottom of your foot with a sock holding it in place. Sleep this way and the onion will absorb toxins over night, thus allowing you to be on the mend faster.

10. Exercise
One way to keep yourself healthy is to get to moving, especially when your symptoms are above the neckline. A little exercise during this time can help get any fluids or bacteria out of the lungs so you won’t have to cough as much throughout the illness. It also helps clear the sinuses so you can say goodbye to your stuffy nose for good. Sweat also helps send the toxins straight out of your body, so you can get rid of whatever is bothering you in a more timely manner. You should always follow your instinct when it comes to working out while sick though. If you’re really feeling too weak then its time for your body to get some rest. Also, if you have a high temperature then you shouldn’t push it too hard either. However, in the early days of the cold you should feel free to keep your routine up as usual. You may even notice your symptoms stop while you’re working out. Although getting moving is healthy, you shouldn’t do it if you’re having aches and pains in your abdomen, this could make the problem feel even worse.

No one likes being sick, so why waste so much time fighting off symptoms? With these ten items you’ll be able to kick anything that comes your way which means less time feeling gross and more time taking on the world. The best thing is, these items can usually be found in your home so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on them. Even if you don’t have them they’re pretty cheap to come by, so you won’t have to add them to your weekly budget!

With the holidays rapidly approaching you may be thinking about hitting the road to enjoy some time with family and friends. You may also be thinking of a few ways to avoid the cold weather while also getting to see the world! With an RV in your life you can definitely find your way around the world without spending as much money, but it may limit you to how at home you feel! There’s a few ways you can transform your RV into a real home away from home though, without spending an arm and a leg to do so. So, before you head south for the winter or tackle the holiday traffic, try adding a few of these finishing touches to your RV so you and your family will enjoy the trip all the more.

1. Insulate
There’s no denying that the cooler temperatures have finally hit which might make spending time in an RV a little uncomfortable if you’re on a tight budget. Heating is always an option, but does burn more gasoline which is bad when you have days of travel to pay for. Rather than try to pump the entire RV full of heat you can easily and cheaply insulate your RV. One way to do this is put bubble wrap on your windows. You might feel a little crazy while you’re doing it, but once you notice the difference in temperature it will be well worth it. If you don’t like the look of the bubble wrap then add some curtains! This will give it a more homey feel anyway and will help keep out that extra cold that might seep in. You can velcro the curtains to the wall in order to keep them in place while driving. You might also consider adding anti fatigue mats to your bedding. This will allow the family to feel more comfortable while locking in heat. Another idea is to buy a special vent cushion. This can be found cheap online and will lock in the heat that escapes from the top of the RV.

2. Create Sleeping Spaces
RVs usually come with at least one bed, but if you’re traveling with the entire family this can make things pretty cramped and miserable. You shouldn’t have to cram into one bed though, so think out of the box when it comes to sleeping spaces. One way to make sleeping in the RV fun for kids is to make them their own special bunk that hangs above the dashboard. This can easily be done with pvp pipe and a thick fabric. Typically, these beds are only good for small children, so watch the weight limit carefully. You can also transform counters or table tops into a bed using egg crate cushions. Another idea is to hang up a hammock in the RV. These can be adjusted to suit many different weight types, but make sure it’s sturdy before putting the kids in it. If all else fails, you can create a pallet. When it’s time to get up and moving all of these items can be stored away in a closet or on the main bed.

3. Pest Control
There’s nothing that can irritate a trip in the RV quite like pests. They’re tough to avoid and every time you make a stop there’s a chance you could pick up something new, or a stinky reminder that something was once there. Rest assured, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get rid of pest problems in your RV. For starters, take a bar of Irish Spring Soap and leave it out wherever you think a mice may decide to come in. You can also leave shavings around the RV when you park to keep other animals from marking your vehicle. Wasps tend to be attracted to the warmer areas of the RV, so you may want to add half of a flea collar near your power source. The smell of the chemicals will ward the wasps off so they won’t go anywhere near the kids. It’ll also keep fleas away too. Finally, clean everything inside of the vehicle with Pine Sol. This will give the RV a nice homey smell, but it’ll also keep flies away which are one of the more annoying pests while you’re on the road.

4. Storage
The amount of storage you have on your trip can make or break your comfort levels. When it comes to storage you need to think out of the box to keep clutter out of your way throughout the trip. This is important because even small amounts of clutter can make an already small space feel tiny. You can start by stocking your cabinets with square containers. These are easy to stack and will take up less space than circular containers, thus allowing you to fit more into a small space. You can place just about anything in these too, including food supplies. Another life saver for storage purposes is shoe organizers. You can buy organizers designed to fit on the back of the closet for fairly cheap. These can be cut up and placed under the mattress so they hang on the side of the bed. You may also want to find behind the seat storage containers and shower curtains with built in pockets. With items like these you’ll be able to keep most of your stuff tidy. You might consider investing in shower caddies. Most of these will already have suction cups so you can place them all over the RV for stray items like pens, small games or charging devices.

5. Lighting
You may not think about lighting as creating a serene environment, but once you travel without it you’ll be longing for this basic comfort. You can fairly inexpensively hook LED lights up in your RV so you’ll be able to see better in the kitchen. A lot of these lights will run on 12V, so do some shopping around to see if you can find a good deal. You may also want to consider solar lights. These are great if you leave the windows open and can help you save energy while you’re working or playing. Kids love battery operated touch lights, especially at night. These can be placed on the walls of the RV and won’t need a battery change too often. Reading lights and flashlights are a must too, especially if you have a household that is mixed with night owls and early birds. Finally, you should have some form of light strip or reflective light on your Rvs stairs so you won’t have to worry about anyone falling.

6. Food & Drink
Eating in the RV doesn’t have to be limited to basic sandwiches and fast food. You can actually do a lot with your small space if you plan accordingly. Keep your refrigerator a bit neater when you add scrambled eggs to a recycled creamer container. This allows for easy pouring and will keep the large crate out of your tiny space. You can also protect beverages while on the go by adding press and seal to the top of them. Kids will love drinking from the straw and you’ll love having less of a mess to clean up. When it comes to keeping fresh goods in the home you can consider a hanging shelf. This tends to be perfect for produce, but you can also use it for breads, chips and other must have items. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor while on the road either. Instead, use baby jars to store your spices. These items can be velcroed to the top of the cabinet or a wall for easy access without taking up cabinet or counter space. You can store other items in these too, such as toothpicks or corn holders. Keep cooking utensils out of the way by velcroing them to the wall. If you don’t have a lot of counter space then pull out your top drawer, place a cutting board in the space and prep away.

7. Lost & Found
It’s not hard to lose things in a moving vehicle, so you may want to make a list of crucial items that need a little extra protection while you’re on the road. A few of these items may be the TV remote, an emergency cellphone, first aid kit, flash light and a folder of your important paperwork. These items are crucial to keeping everyone on board safe and happy so don’t take any risks. Before you leave on the trip place a piece of velcro on each item then allocate a spot for the item that everyone is going to remember. When you’re finished with the item put it back on the velcro and you’ll be set for an easy trip. You may have to plan out these locations carefully though. For instance, if the kids are on the TV there’s a pretty good chance they’re not going to move to put the remote elsewhere. Instead, place the velcro on the table or one of the chairs where TV is commonly watched. You could also place random velcro pieces around to avoid this very problem.

8. Entertainment
Keeping everyone busy on the road is a challenge in itself, especially when space is limited. Try to find small puzzles and card games to keep kids busy. You can easily place these games inside of a cut out box to help keep pieces from going everywhere. A dry eraser board is also a lot of fun for kids to doodle on or for games of pictionary. This can be installed on the wall so it won’t take up extra space. If you’re bringing along electronics then skip out on all the fancy accessories. Instead, you can easily use egg crates to keep the items cool, which will save on space and allow you to keep your weight limit down. It’s hard to avoid TV today, so if you do have one of these then try to make it a combo piece. You can cheaply get a DVD/TV/Radio combo just about anywhere which will also offer emergency support in case of poor weather.

9. Fans
The small space of an RV can feel claustrophobic without fresh air. Since it’s not always possible to open the windows, especially in the winter time, you may want to invest in a few fans to keep the space comfortable. You can cheaply find mini fans that can be placed around the RV, or you can invest in personal fans that can be used whenever an individual needs some air. When shopping for these items you should stick to solar or battery power as much as possible in order to save money. Once you get the fans going you’ll feel a lot cozier on the road.

10. Freshen It Up
You RV might not have the look you want, but this is easily changed! A lot of dollar stores sell tiling and veneer that can make your RV look even more like home than you could have imagined. Take an afternoon and replace the flooring and see how you feel about your space then. You can also add a new coat of paint to add to the new look. Try to pick something light in order to make the space feel larger. If you’re still not satisfied then try spicing things up with a new toilet seat cover or shower curtain. You can also come up with a few simple collages to add a touch of the family to the walls.

Taking to the road is a lot of fun when you have an RV to get from point A to point B. However, you shouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make it the home you want. With these simple tips you’ll love the way your RV looks, which will make your holiday travels even more fun.